American Classic Federal Style Home Design in Columbia Country

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Columbia Country, north of New York City, contains a wealth of historic architecture, including numerous nineteenth-century house that have retained their integrity despite often being on the verge of collapse. An artist and restorer, who makes no distinction between fine and applied arts, undertook this renovation in the spirit of the 1820 Federal style, rather than trying to re-create absolute period detailing. The layout is typical of the date, with a good central hall and a four-over-four configuration.

All the essential services had to be renew; walls, floors and ceilings were stripped and redecorated; and the bathrooms and kitchen were all replaced. Although the palette is neutral, the owner has applied various painting techniques to give the impression of aged painted surfaces: broken whites, bleached floorboards and scraped-back pressed-tin ceilings that are left with a motiles finish. Furniture and objects d’art span the neo-classical, Regency and Biedermeier periods, chosen for their strong presence and simple, functional design. There are collections of old photographs, African masks and plaster busts, and plenty of books. Little color has been used; the interior relies instead on natural textures and changing light levels

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